Infection prevention and control program assessment tools: A comparative study

•Core components of an effective IPCP were defined by the World Health Organization.•Ideal IPCP assessment tool is easy to apply and interpret, with minimal experience requirements.•All tools evaluated are useful for practical audits of the IPCP and benchmarking.•The IPCPE and IPCAF had highest frequency of positive responses in the dimensions of effectiveness and purpose, respectively.•Flexibility, speed, and decisive decision making is essential.